A coroner has raised concerns over a stretch of the A1307 where it was known vehicles had been involved in collisions after hitting patches of water on the road.  

Simon Milburn, an area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has published a Prevention of Future Deaths report after investigating the death of Colin McCallum.  

The 62-year-old was driving through heavy rain when his Ford Focus hit water on the dual carriageway near Hemingford Abbots on July 14, 2023.  

He lost control of the vehicle, crossed the carriageway and hit a stationary vehicle which had stopped to help another driver.  

Despite all efforts from the emergency services, Mr McCallum died at the scene of the incident. 

In the Prevention of Future Deaths report, Mr Milburn commented: “During the inquest I heard evidence from National Highways Head of Planning & Development...  

“During the period March 2022 to July 2023 the police were aware of five separate incidents on the stretch of the A1307 identified ... where there had been personal injury or death to individuals caused after vehicles had hit patches of water before leaving the carriageway. 

“I am concerned that unless the risk of flooding/standing water is reassessed and managed/monitored moving forward that there is a risk of future deaths occurring in circumstances similar to that of the current case.” 

The report said it is understood that National Highways handed over responsibility for the stretch of road to Cambridgeshire County Council in February.  

Mr McCallum, of Pettis Road, St Ives, was described as a “much-loved brother and uncle” in a tribute released by his family following the incident.  

They said: “He was so loved by all his family and friends and is going to be missed so much.”   

Mr Milburn’s Prevention of Future Death report was published on May 21, 2024 and is publicly available.